1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Hallux Valgus (Bunions)

I'm happy with my outcome

Posted , 5 users are following.

kim14297
kim14297

Hi I'm nearly 3 weeks post bunion surgery and 3rd toe arthritis surgery, I have pins and screws permanently in place. I had my dressings off last week and very pleased with the out come. I am now bathing my foot and keeping my toe alignment splint on for a further 4 weeks and orthotic shoe which is so hard to walk on my back really hurts a

ot and I get so tired and out of breath when walking but I am very stubborn! I'm now only taking ibuprofen occasionally when needed for the swelling which helps. I feel a it of a fraud though as when I go outdoors I need to use my crutches for balance and it eases the pain in my back and foot. I hear a lot of negative feed back on here so I thought I would add I bit of cheer as we've had our surgery and was told the outcome wouldn't be straight away it takes toile and each day is a step closer to our recovery! Stay positive and be thankful it's not a much more serious condition that we've had! 

1 like, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • scraig1954
    scraig1954 kim14297

    Posted

    Well said Kim! We should all have known what recovery would be like before we had our ops. It doesn't make it any easier but the support on here shows there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am 4 weeks post op and have another 2 weeks in heel wedge show before I can try proper shoes. Like you finding it hard work walking with achy back and hips but very little pain in the foot itself. There's a good Facebook group called 'I survived a bunionectomy' which is really good as well.
  • karen27130
    karen27130 kim14297

    Posted

    Pleased that you are happy with the way that things have gone so far. I have found this forum to be very helpful indeed and I think that it makes people realise that they are not alone. I think that , overall, people are generally positive about the procedures and the outcomes. It is just that sometimes people feel a bit down and need to have that extra level of support. Even although you are told what the recovery time will likely be , you always hope for something better. Things have moved on a massive amount in recent years and it has helped me to remember what things were like in previous years. I had my bunions done in 1971 when I was 11 years old. The pain was bad, getting the stitches out was worse, I was in hospital for 3 weeks and had to wear plaster casts for a further 6 weeks with very limited amount of walking. I remember getting into trouble from the hospital for going to school on the last day of primary school. So pretty much house bound. I have remembered all of that when I have had them done this time and , whilst there have been times when I have been a bit down, it has been a million times better than I feared. So, you are right. Keep positive! 
  • paula75437
    paula75437 kim14297

    Posted

    Hi yes I am with you both on this! Am now just over 8 weeks and have now walk round the block albeit quite gingerly but no pain just an uncomfortable feeling that is more than copeable! I am doing proper hard core housework too! I remember thinking this time last week how would I cope with work, due back this Wednesday on phased return, but a whole week of further recouperation is a massive difference! So hang in there, be patient, do as you are told and you will day by day, week by week, reap the benefits! Good luck you all! X
  • danuta45472
    danuta45472 kim14297

    Posted

    Great to read the positive

    my "boot" comes off Xmas day and I can't wait

    have had back probs due to imbalance between the. 2 feet when walking but found it much better when wearing a higher heel on good foot and using just one crutch

    • karen27130
      karen27130 danuta45472

      Posted

      What a lovely Christmas present! Sure that back will improve as you begin to get back to normal. Not long now! 
  • maryterese
    maryterese kim14297

    Posted

    Kim and to anyone who has had toe surgery...I would be very grateful for any advice. I am recently divorced and moved far from most family and friends.  My situation is unusual and I am very, very concerned about surgery.  I live in the States. My health insurance is fine, but being alone is preventing me for having toe surgery on both toes.  I have severe arthritis likely from many years of wearing high heels to work.  I am 57. I cannot go back home because of my insurance.

    I have the hallux rigidus, I think that is basically the same as arthritis.  Doctor (had 2nd opinion) says 8-10 wks. recovery.  I would not be so upset if I had more support but to rely on only a couple of friends is not good.  My main concern is driving.  I know when I get the right foot done it will be at least 8 wks.  Is that others experience?  I hope the left foot is more like 4 wks.  The doctors seem to be unclear as it depends on healing.  Any advice, thoughts on what I can expect ( I know it is long and difficult).

    i would like to  have it done now and I know if I wait it will be much worse.  I have an elderly relative I care for part of the time so that is a big reason I am delaying.  My siblings care for my parents at home and I am responsible for my aunt.  

    The cortisone shots work pretty well for a month or so now (before it was three months), and my toes still move ok, but it can be very painful.  Shots will not be an option soon enough.

    Thank you for any help with the recovery process....I know I have to do it, but it is the worst timing.  I work p/t but have to drive for that as well...that is my main worry.

    Best wishes to all.

     

    • danuta45472
      danuta45472 maryterese

      Posted

      Also single and carer for mother

      my sister came over from Canada to care for mum but she also did a week with me when I was just post op - most important time for foot up

      your family seem to be very caring looking after older family members - could someone come and help u out more for first week?

      most of time I managed with online shopping and home delivery as well as stocking up on stuff beforehand - but make sure easy access for u when u r on your own - made meals for freezer so easy prep. Friends also invaluable 

      pit is manageable

      good luck

    • maryterese
      maryterese danuta45472

      Posted

      Thanks so much.  I am glad you had a lot of help.  Very helpful tips.  May I ask if you had both toes done and when did you start driving?  

    • danuta45472
      danuta45472 maryterese

      Posted

      One foot but big and little toes. don't drive so can't help there

      also taking Vit C to help recovery and calcium and Vit D for bones

  • maryterese
    maryterese kim14297

    Posted

    P.S.  Glad you are happy with the outcome!   Your story gave me some good info.
  • maryterese
    maryterese kim14297

    Posted

    Also...if there is another forum or if I should do something differently please let me know.  (This has been going on since April btw).  Thanks!!!!!!
    • scraig1954
      scraig1954 maryterese

      Posted

      Hi, there is a facebook page called I survived a bunionectomy which is really helpful.
    • maryterese
      maryterese scraig1954

      Posted

      Thank you!  My doctor mentioned the bunions but the focus seems to be on the toes. Does anyone know if this is usually done all at once?  I will l

    • maryterese
      maryterese

      Posted

      ...will check out FB group.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.